BILL BARRETT FOUNDER

ALAN POWDERMAKER CO-FOUNDER

The LOVE FOR KIDS Charity organization was established in 1975 by Bill Barrett, Chairman of Willow Distributors, Inc., and Alan Powdermaker, CEO of Circle R Ranch. The focus of the charity is to enrich the quality of life of the young and young-at-heart within the Dallas/Ft. Worth community who are in need of benevolent services.

Bill and Alan wanted to have a special Christmas party for approximately 200 of the Asian children that were sent here from Southeast Asia after the Vietnam War & other local disadvantaged children. Their objective was to show these children what a real Texas Christmas was like. That party was a tremendous success and the Founders decided to make it an annual event and include other disadvantaged children. It has grown every year since 1975.

Currently, LOVE FOR KIDS hosts approximately 3,000 children from all ethnic groups for the largest Christmas Party for underprivileged children in Texas. The party is by invitation only and groups are invited through local recreation centers, schools and other agencies from a master list that has been accumulated over many years. Children between the ages of 6 – 12 enjoy a day of entertainment, horseback riding, outdoor games, hay rides, bubble bounce, carnival games, food and prizes. The major contributor of this event is the Dallas Margarita Society. Each child is also given a brand new toy furnished by guests of the annual “Margarita Ball”. Additional toys are needed & solicited for this event as well as to distribute to dozens of local agencies through Christmas week.

LOVE FOR KIDS also sponsors an annual senior citizens party, “Spring Fling”. Between 1,000-2,000 seniors attend this festive event. Guests enjoy dancing to a local band, contests & prizes, lunch and special favors at the end of the party. LOVE FOR KIDS also sponsors the “All Kids Count” summer picnic for chronically ill and medically fragile children and their families. Over 1,000 attend this event that is planned with special entertainment for children with disabilities and their siblings, parents, grandparents, and caregivers.

In addition to the two founders, there is an Executive Director. The organization is governed by an all volunteer, twenty-five member Board of Directors. These Directors all have full-time jobs and graciously give their time to LFK Programs, Special Events and Fundraising. Funding is provided through contributions from individuals, corporations and fundraisers sponsored by groups such as the Dallas Margarita Society, Supporters of Children’s Charities, Bank of America, Communities Foundation of Texas & the Freeman Co.

Smaller outings offered each year might include trips to the Dallas Zoo, Mesquite Rodeo, Ranger Baseball, Shrine Circus, etc., depending on the availability of tickets donated and financial sponsorships to our organization. We also donate toys, clothing, school supplies and other items to local centers/agencies. Some of the 250 groups served include the Anita Martinez Center, Martin L. King Center, Trinity Ministry to the Poor, Children’s Medical Center, Dallas Police Storefronts, Genesis Shelter, Boys & Girls Clubs, YWCA’s and many more. LOVE FOR KIDS touches the lives of 8,000-10,000 people annually.

If you would like to volunteer, sponsor a fund-raiser, provide financial support or donate tickets to events or new toys and clothing, or need additional information, please call & leave a message at 214-426-LOVE (5683).